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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Fraser Birrell, Linda Errington, Dr Elena Nikiphorou, Dr Nicola O'Brien
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2024 The Author(s). Lifestyle Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Introduction: The term “Mediterranean lifestyle” has gained increasing prominence in recent years, yet a specific definition remains elusive. In response, the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute Board of Directors convened a multidisciplinary panel comprising international experts and leaders in lifestyle medicine. Their goal was to review existing literature and formulate a consensus definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle (tMedL),” referring to the historical way of living of the people in the Mediterranean region. This paper presents the agreed consensus statement and a comprehensive holistic definition of the term “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.”. Methods: Major medical and social sciences electronic databases from inception to February 2023 were searched, employing keywords relevant to the Mediterranean lifestyle and its constituent elements (diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, socialization). Subsequently, definitions for each pillar were created and synthesized to derive a comprehensive definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.”. Results: This proposed definition received ratification from the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute's expert working group during the First International Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Conference held in June 2023 on the island of Leros, Greece. “The traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is characterized by its diverse and adaptable nature. Key facets encompass conviviality, lifelong social connectedness, purposeful living, strong community and familial bonds, harmony with nature and the environment, profound spirituality, adherence to religious practices, preservation of local customs, resilience cultivated through adversity, and a commitment to moderation across all spheres of life.”. Conclusions: This definition comprehensively outlines the primary lifestyle factors ingrained in Mediterranean inhabitants across generations. Its holistic nature furnishes a crucial conceptual framework for directing lifestyle medicine practitioners in assisting patients to mitigate diseases, promote overall well-being, devise research initiatives to investigate the health ramifications of this lifestyle, and inform curriculum development.
Author(s): Sidossis LS, Lawson R, Aprilakis E, Barata BC, Baska A, Beneka A, Bird R, Birrell F, Chatzinikola C, Chondronikola M, Chrousos GP, Conduit R, Constantinou C, de Courten B, Cvejic JH, Davis AM, Demetriou CA, Errington L, Feehan J, Figueroa C, Flynn MM, Frates B, Kabthymer RH, Karagounis LG, Karimi L, Kennedy GA, Kolokotroni O, Korovljev D, Kouris-Blazos A, Kushkestani M, Kyriakides TC, Hutanu EM, Mosquera MC, Nikiphorou E, O'Brien N, Philippou E, Piatek K, Poole S, Popescu-Spineni D, Radd-Vagenas S, Sidossis A, Simonis M, Soultanakis H, Telinga A, Tierney A, Tkacz A, Vlachopoulos D, Yaman-Dent G, Yap Y, Zervides Z, Itsiopoulos C
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Lifestyle Medicine
Year: 2024
Volume: 5
Issue: 4
Print publication date: 01/10/2024
Online publication date: 16/08/2024
Acceptance date: 25/07/2024
ISSN (electronic): 2688-3740
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.115
DOI: 10.1002/lim2.115
Data Access Statement: Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
